Rickson Gracie, considered one of the greatest jiu-jitsu artists of the 1980s and 1990s, revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. And it was this fight against the disease that motivated him to publish his second book, Comfort in the Dark: The Power of Invisible Jiu-Jitsu, in July 2024.
In an interview on the Mundo da Ruta podcast on Monday, Gracie talked about the release of her new book. In an interview conducted by journalist Ana Hissa, the Jiu-Jitsu legend talked about how what he learned in the world of martial arts has strengthened him in his fight against recently discovered Parkinson’s disease, which he describes in his new book. revealed that it was the inspiration for
“The idea was that what was missing in the story of my life was that after this biography (my previous book, Respira), I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was going through an evolutionary phase, so to speak.” I want to tell people how I try to solve my own problems. We all have problems and we all have adversaries, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. And to maintain one’s mental health, physicality, and spiritual realm at the highest possible level, I need to use the tools of the spiritual warrior that I describe in the book. there was. ”
Gracie has made it clear that he faces the disease with the same respect and the same desire to win that he fought his opponents in the ring.
“This is a daily battle, and the outline of the problem can be solved. Even if it can’t be solved on the outside, it will be solved on the inside, and in my mind it’s already solved,” Gracie said. said. “My doctor gave me medicine and told me to exercise and wait. But by looking for different healers and different ways to interpret this disease, I found myself I started changing my life. I stopped eating meat and drinking beer and wine. I started fasting and took all kinds of supplements. I changed my water to ozonated water. Even though no one told me, I have researched and made changes that have made me feel like I am in the best condition to fight Parkinson’s disease. I go to physical therapy five times a week. I face Parkinson’s disease with respect for my great opponent, but with hope that I can win.
In mid-2024, Gracie and his wife moved from Los Angeles to Florida.
“I will continue to live a happy and optimistic life. I go to the beach every day. I moved from California to Florida, and the sea here is much nicer, so it’s great,” he said. said.
Marco Ruas, who was considered Gracie’s biggest rival, voiced his support in an interview on YouTube channel MMA Debate last Friday.
“I wouldn’t want to get that disease even if it were my worst enemy,” Luas said. “First of all, he wasn’t my enemy, just a rival. I’m sad to see Rickson pass by. I prayed for him too. He was in the same profession as me. A fighter, a warrior. He is the greatest representative of the Gracie family of our generation and has long been the name of his own family. He was a man who took a stand to protect the world. I sincerely hope he recovers and is healthy. I have nothing against him. Our rivalry was 40 years ago. This history is over. Rickson is a warrior and will overcome it.”
The rivalry between Ruas and Gracie began in 1984, when Ruas lost to Fernando Pinduca, Carlson Gracie’s top protégé, at an event called the “Night of Martial Arts.” The final result of the Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Vali Tudo Challenge promoted by Robson Gracie at the Maracanadinho Gymnasium was that in addition to Ruas and Pinduca, Eugenio Tadeu of the Muay Thai team won by TKO over Renan Pitanguy. . Gracie Academy) and Marcelo Behring (Hixon’s number one pupil) defeated Flavio Molina (university master). Rickson was considered the No. 1 representative of the Gracie family, so there was a natural tension between Rickson and Rickson. A rivalry began, but it became a dream match when Rickson moved to LA and began competing in Japan, and Ruas went to the UFC. For Brazilian fans of that generation, that would never have happened, but Luas’ emotional statement last week raised the white flag for the first time.
